The world is still mourning the plight of Associa??o Chapecoense de Futebol (ACF) who lost almost their entire team in the tragic plane crash yesterday. As a fan of Manchester United, who faced a similar plight all the way back in 1958, I understand how this incident will forever alter the history of a football club which was on a magical run these past few seasons.
But it's in the toughest of times that the strongest of characters show up. The way the football world has come together to help Chapecoense shows how remarkably beautiful the true spirit of football is, and just how it transcends all boundaries.
Here's how the world's biggest clubs and their supporters have shown their support for ACF:
AFP
The Chapecoense team were travelling to play Atletico Nacional in Medellin, Colombia, in the first leg of their maiden Copa Sudamericana final before an electrical failure caused their plane to crash. This was considered the most important match in their history.?
Atletico Nacional has asked that Chapecoense be awarded the title and CONMEBOL has accepted it. Atletico also has its fans coming to the stadium with candles in remembrance.
The Brazilian clubs will also ask for the club to be exempt from relegation for the next 3 years from the Seria A. The club had gained promotion into the top league only in 2014.
Palmeiras, the champions of Brazil, have requested they be allowed to wear AFC jerseys in the final game of the season. The Club won their first title 22 years earlier this week and will ask Brazilian FA for special permission to don the now-iconic green shirts.